Author: sHq_LoGiNz

NEW YORK, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, stock exchanges around the world will once again take part in the 12th annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality campaign, jointly organised by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), UN Global Compact, UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative, UN Women, and the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE).

Under this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” the campaign calls on capital markets to strengthen transparency, accountability and incentives that support women’s rights and economic empowerment, ensuring markets work for women and girls everywhere.

Over 110 stock exchanges around the globe will host bell-ringing ceremonies and related activities that draw attention to the critical role the private sector plays in advancing gender equality and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These events provide an opportunity for collective action across markets, with participating exchanges invited to consider concrete measures to continue promoting equality between women and men and women’s economic participation. Find a list of all participating exchanges here.

The initiative also highlights the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a set of global best practices developed by UN Women and the UN Global Compact to help businesses advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. Building on this framework, the UN SSE, UN Women, and the IFC recently published a WEPs-based analysis of gender equality disclosure metrics, underscoring the need for greater transparency and standardisation of sex-disaggregated information to support the rights of women and girls.

About Ring the Bell for Gender Equality

Launched in 2015 by the UN Global Compact, UN SSE and UN Women, the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality campaign has grown from a small number of participating stock exchanges to a global series of coordinated events uniting exchanges with investors, regulators, issuers and civil society. Since 2016, the initiative has been expanded to include the IFC and the World Federation of Exchanges among its organising partners.

Together, these global partners aim to raise awareness of the pivotal role that financial markets and the broader private sector play in driving equality of women and men —encouraging exchanges and companies to implement practices that improve women’s access to finance, participation in leadership, and economic opportunity.

About our Partner Organizations

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.1 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. Follow us on our social media platforms: www.ifc.org/SocialMediaIndex. 

The Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative

The SSE initiative is a UN Partnership Programme organised by UNCTAD, the UN Global Compact, UNEP FI and the PRI. The SSE’s mission is to provide a global platform for exploring how exchanges, in collaboration with investors, companies (issuers), regulators, policymakers and relevant international organizations, can enhance performance on ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) issues and encourage sustainable investment, including the financing of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The SSE seeks to achieve this mission through an integrated programme of conducting evidence-based policy analysis, facilitating a network and forum for multi-stakeholder consensus-building, and providing technical assistance and advisory services. To learn more about becoming a Partner Stock Exchange or participating as a regulator or investor, visit sseinitiative.org. Follow us on LinkedIn. 

United Nations Global Compact

The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 66 Country Networks covering 85 countries and 9 Country Managers establishing Networks in 16 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative — one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at unglobalcompact.org.

United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)

UN Women is the UN organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide. UN Women supports UN Member States as they set global standards for achieving gender equality and works with governments and civil society to design laws, policies, programmes and services needed to ensure that the standards are effectively implemented and truly benefit women and girls worldwide. It works globally to make the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals a reality for women and girls and stands behind women’s equal participation in all aspects of life. In collaboration with the UN Global Compact, UN Women engages the private sector through the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) — a global framework and engagement platform to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. As of 2025, WEPs has attracted over 10.000 CEOs and their companies in 190 countries to accelerate this agenda. UN Women also coordinates and promotes the UN system’s work in advancing gender equality. Learn more at: www.unwomen.org and www.weps.org Follow us on Twitter @UN_Women, @WEPrinciples and on LinkedIn: UN Women, WEPs.

About the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE):

Established in 1961, the WFE is the global industry association for exchanges and clearing houses. Headquartered in London, it represents over 250 market infrastructure providers, including standalone CCPs that are not part of exchange groups. Of our members, 37% are in Asia-Pacific, 44% in EMEA and 19% in the Americas. WFE’s 87 member CCPs and clearing services collectively ensure that risk takers post some $1.3 trillion (equivalent) of resources to back their positions, in the form of initial margin and default fund requirements. WFE exchanges, together with other exchanges feeding into our database, are home to over 51,000 listed companies, and the market capitalisation of these entities is over $110 trillion; around $140 trillion (EOB) in trading annually passes through WFE members (at end 2024).

The WFE is the definitive source for exchange-traded statistics and publishes over 350 market data indicators. Its free statistics database stretches back 49 years and provides information and insight into developments on global exchanges. The WFE works with standard-setters, policy makers, regulators and government organisations around the world to support and promote the development of fair, transparent, stable and efficient markets. The WFE shares regulatory authorities’ goals of ensuring the safety and soundness of the global financial system.

With extensive experience of developing and enforcing high standards of conduct, the WFE and its members support an orderly, secure, fair and transparent environment for investors; for companies that raise capital; and for all who deal with financial risk. We seek outcomes that maximise the common good, consumer confidence and economic growth. And we engage with policy makers and regulators in an open, collaborative way, reflecting the central, public role that exchanges and CCPs play in a globally integrated financial system. Website: www.world-exchanges.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/over-110-exchanges-unite-for-this-years-ring-the-bell-for-gender-equality-302706200.html

SOURCE United Nations Global Compact

NEW YORK, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, stock exchanges around the world will once again take part in the 12th annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality campaign, jointly organised by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), UN Global Compact, UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative, UN Women, and the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE).

Under this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” the campaign calls on capital markets to strengthen transparency, accountability and incentives that support women’s rights and economic empowerment, ensuring markets work for women and girls everywhere.

Over 110 stock exchanges around the globe will host bell-ringing ceremonies and related activities that draw attention to the critical role the private sector plays in advancing gender equality and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These events provide an opportunity for collective action across markets, with participating exchanges invited to consider concrete measures to continue promoting equality between women and men and women’s economic participation. Find a list of all participating exchanges here.

The initiative also highlights the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a set of global best practices developed by UN Women and the UN Global Compact to help businesses advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. Building on this framework, the UN SSE, UN Women, and the IFC recently published a WEPs-based analysis of gender equality disclosure metrics, underscoring the need for greater transparency and standardisation of sex-disaggregated information to support the rights of women and girls.

About Ring the Bell for Gender Equality

Launched in 2015 by the UN Global Compact, UN SSE and UN Women, the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality campaign has grown from a small number of participating stock exchanges to a global series of coordinated events uniting exchanges with investors, regulators, issuers and civil society. Since 2016, the initiative has been expanded to include the IFC and the World Federation of Exchanges among its organising partners.

Together, these global partners aim to raise awareness of the pivotal role that financial markets and the broader private sector play in driving equality of women and men —encouraging exchanges and companies to implement practices that improve women’s access to finance, participation in leadership, and economic opportunity.

About our Partner Organizations

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.1 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. Follow us on our social media platforms: www.ifc.org/SocialMediaIndex. 

The Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative

The SSE initiative is a UN Partnership Programme organised by UNCTAD, the UN Global Compact, UNEP FI and the PRI. The SSE’s mission is to provide a global platform for exploring how exchanges, in collaboration with investors, companies (issuers), regulators, policymakers and relevant international organizations, can enhance performance on ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) issues and encourage sustainable investment, including the financing of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The SSE seeks to achieve this mission through an integrated programme of conducting evidence-based policy analysis, facilitating a network and forum for multi-stakeholder consensus-building, and providing technical assistance and advisory services. To learn more about becoming a Partner Stock Exchange or participating as a regulator or investor, visit sseinitiative.org. Follow us on LinkedIn. 

United Nations Global Compact

The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 66 Country Networks covering 85 countries and 9 Country Managers establishing Networks in 16 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative — one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at unglobalcompact.org.

United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)

UN Women is the UN organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide. UN Women supports UN Member States as they set global standards for achieving gender equality and works with governments and civil society to design laws, policies, programmes and services needed to ensure that the standards are effectively implemented and truly benefit women and girls worldwide. It works globally to make the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals a reality for women and girls and stands behind women’s equal participation in all aspects of life. In collaboration with the UN Global Compact, UN Women engages the private sector through the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) — a global framework and engagement platform to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. As of 2025, WEPs has attracted over 10.000 CEOs and their companies in 190 countries to accelerate this agenda. UN Women also coordinates and promotes the UN system’s work in advancing gender equality. Learn more at: www.unwomen.org and www.weps.org Follow us on Twitter @UN_Women, @WEPrinciples and on LinkedIn: UN Women, WEPs.

About the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE):

Established in 1961, the WFE is the global industry association for exchanges and clearing houses. Headquartered in London, it represents over 250 market infrastructure providers, including standalone CCPs that are not part of exchange groups. Of our members, 37% are in Asia-Pacific, 44% in EMEA and 19% in the Americas. WFE’s 87 member CCPs and clearing services collectively ensure that risk takers post some $1.3 trillion (equivalent) of resources to back their positions, in the form of initial margin and default fund requirements. WFE exchanges, together with other exchanges feeding into our database, are home to over 51,000 listed companies, and the market capitalisation of these entities is over $110 trillion; around $140 trillion (EOB) in trading annually passes through WFE members (at end 2024).

The WFE is the definitive source for exchange-traded statistics and publishes over 350 market data indicators. Its free statistics database stretches back 49 years and provides information and insight into developments on global exchanges. The WFE works with standard-setters, policy makers, regulators and government organisations around the world to support and promote the development of fair, transparent, stable and efficient markets. The WFE shares regulatory authorities’ goals of ensuring the safety and soundness of the global financial system.

With extensive experience of developing and enforcing high standards of conduct, the WFE and its members support an orderly, secure, fair and transparent environment for investors; for companies that raise capital; and for all who deal with financial risk. We seek outcomes that maximise the common good, consumer confidence and economic growth. And we engage with policy makers and regulators in an open, collaborative way, reflecting the central, public role that exchanges and CCPs play in a globally integrated financial system. Website: www.world-exchanges.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/over-110-exchanges-unite-for-this-years-ring-the-bell-for-gender-equality-302706200.html

SOURCE United Nations Global Compact

SHANGHAI, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — International Women’s Day is an annual occasion to extend blessings to women around the world. Recently, Soul App, a leading AI+ immersive social platform in China, together with its research arm Just So Soul Institute, published the Soul App Report on the Life Status and Self-Pleasing Consumption of Gen Z Women. Drawing on a validated sample of 2,618 female users, 97% of whom belong to Generation Z, the report shows that today’s young women are increasingly prioritizing internal order over external labels.

I. Rediscovering the Authentic Self

Over 60% of respondents said they feel indifferent toward labels like “queen.” That sentiment is especially pronounced among post-2000s women, where only 16.12% find such terms appealing. The findings point to a growing wariness among young women about excessive labeling. Rather than outright rejecting festive greetings, they simply want to be seen and understood as authentic individuals.

In terms of lifestyle, more than 87% of respondents agree that taking an “intermittent mental pause” is a necessary form of psychological self-care. When energy reserves run low, “unplugging” becomes a necessity. Whether through solitary strolls or an information detox, Gen Z women are prioritizing mental well-being as a way to reset their pace. For them, a pause is not a withdrawal; it is a replenishment. It is the essential gathering of strength for the long haul.

When it comes to personal growth, only 10.89% of respondents maintain a high frequency of skill-based investments. Most prefer to plan their development at their own pace. They do not shy away from competition or progress, but seek a balance between realistic conditions and personal goals, emphasizing steady advancement over blind conformity. It’s worth noting that, according to the data, Gen Z women are particularly drawn to narratives about empowered women and are looking for more inspiring figures to look up to.

II. Heart over Hype

The sample predominantly consists of women who are either still in school or in the early stages of their careers. Yet, they demonstrate considerable maturity in value judgment and boundary setting.

The report shows that 70% of post-2000s women consider “comfort and a sense of meaning in work” as important factors. In the context of widespread AI adoption, more than half of respondents earning over RMB 10,000 per month frequently use AI tools to enhance efficiency. At the same time, 47% believe that automated performance evaluations may negatively impact their sense of well-being, and over two-thirds actively seek ways to reduce algorithmic interference in their lives.

These women embrace AI-driven efficiency without sacrificing independent judgment. They refuse to be shaped by algorithms, insisting that technology should offer both utility and warmth.

Furthermore, 48% of respondents identify inner alignment as the cornerstone of personal growth. This internal shift is fueled by tangible self-investment: half of those surveyed view spending on new skills as a vital safety net. For them, growth is an intentional pursuit on their own terms, rather than a reactive escape from peer pressure.

III. The Evolution of Self-Pleasure

For today’s women, self-pleasure is undergoing a profound shift. Moving past the checkout counter, it now represents a proactive stance on mental health and personal balance.

The report reveals that 59.23% of post-2000s women are investing in “small, frivolous joys,” such as stress-relief toys and aromatherapy. These “self-pleasing” purchases act as an “emotional band-aid,” providing a vital buffer to restore mental energy. Notably, 65.92% of the respondents reported spending over RMB 2,000 on such purchases. For many, these modest indulgences are more than just shopping; they are intentional acts of emotional recharge and self-repair.

The report also highlights a structural shift in aesthetic awareness. Interestingly, 37.27% of women in lower-tier cities identify “aesthetic expression” as a core spending priority — outpacing their counterparts in first-tier hubs. This suggests that, even in contexts with varying resources, aesthetic expression remains an important form of self-affirmation. For these women, clothing choices and personal interests are not about keeping up with others, but about defining who they are in a complex world.

Ending

Soul App, a key hub for young users, has long championed the value shifts within its community. For the platform, International Women’s Day is a call for empathy and insight. By grounding its report in real-world perspectives, Soul App helps shape a more inclusive conversation, spotlighting the multifaceted lives of women today.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/soul-app-releases-international-womens-day-report-gen-z-women-unplugging-to-thrive-302706366.html

SOURCE Soul App

The Much-anticipated Experience was Meticulously Designed to Ignite a Passion for Elephant Conservation

SAN DIEGO, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park celebrated the official opening of the all-new Denny Sanford Elephant Valley. Park guests were invited to experience the much-anticipated space for the first time following an opening ceremony with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance leaders and government officials. The ceremony included remarks from San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and San Diego Councilmember Marni van Wilpert. Other city and community leaders including Escondido Mayor Dane White were in attendance.

Now open, Elephant Valley has been meticulously designed to generate greater empathy, understanding and appreciation for elephants, while igniting a desire to protect them and their native habitats. Surrounded by African savanna elephants on multiple sides, guests of all ages will encounter what it feels like to share common ground with the herd. Walking beside the world’s largest land mammal, they will notice the intricacies of the elephants’ wrinkled skin and long eyelashes, and create a connection with one of the most powerful, sensitive, and complex animals on the planet. Walking over the bridge to reach the other side of the valley, visitors will notice an elephant passageway directly beneath their feet. This underpass is similar to wildlife corridors in native habitats.

“If you talk to any of our experts here today or throughout our Alliance, they will tell you that conservation is a long-term commitment. Victories and successes are built on years, decades of focused efforts and research, and meaningful collaboration,” said Shawn Dixon, president and chief executive officer, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “Elephant Valley not only mirrors the African grasslands—it represents the vital role San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance plays in international conservation.”

The Safari Park’s elephant herd consists of eight individuals: matriarch Swazi, Ndlulamitsi (Ndlula), Umngani, Qinisa (Nisa), Phakamile (Kami), Khosi, Mkhaya and Umzula-Zuli (Zuli). The herd’s founding members, Swazi, Ndlula and Umngani, were rescued in 2003. Elephant Valley is an immersive journey for guests to learn about the crucial role elephants serve as ecosystem engineers and better understand the nuances of the herd’s rich social structure.

At the heart of Elephant Valley is the two-story restaurant Mkutano House. Inspired by the rich and varied culinary traditions across Africa’s many regions and blending them with global influences, the restaurant offers a harmonious fusion of familiar flavors with bold notes. The Swahili word Mkutano refers to gathering with purpose. Mkutano House is uniquely positioned directly alongside one of Elephant Valley’s two expansive watering holes, a 240,000-gallon oasis where the herd wades, swims and plays—a profound experience for those who pay witness to their natural bonding behavior. Nearby, Mkutano Park serves as a gathering place to learn from educators about the awe-inspiring wildlife of the region.

“I am so proud to see Elephant Valley become one with the Safari Park today,” said Pat McTigue, interim executive director, San Diego Zoo Safari Park. “A central component of this transformative space is community. Visiting Elephant Valley gives us chance to celebrate the wonders of nature together, whether it’s the African savanna or the San Pasqual Valley. I’m excited to see how this space inspires our community to protect and connect with wildlife and wild places for years to come.”

The Elephant Valley experience will shine a spotlight on San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s global conservation partners and celebrate the vibrant cultures and local communities in Kenya where people and elephants coexist. Vibrantly beaded talking sticks representing traditional Samburu artistry are unique location markers and storytelling stopping points throughout Elephant Valley. Mkutano House is adorned with stunning artifacts hand made by BeadWORKS Kenya artisans. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is proud to partner with BeadWORKS Kenya, a social enterprise of Northern Rangelands Trust. BeadWORKS helps women artisans in seminomadic, pastoralist communities earn a reliable income using traditional beading skills passed down through generations.

The rich plant life in Elephant Valley has been curated by a team of expert horticulturists and arborists to authentically replicate the sights, sounds and smells of Africa’s diverse ecosystems, specifically the vast savanna and grasslands. More than 350 individual plants have been grown for Elephant Valley, representing rare and endangered African plants.

Elephant Valley bridges the vital work happening in San Diego to the collaborative elephant conservation initiatives San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance supports in the African savanna. African savanna elephants are currently listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species due in large part to the rise of human-elephant conflict across range countries. Research conducted in Africa and with the Safari Park’s elephant herd provide an opportunity to advance technologies and approaches to monitor and protect elephants in the wild, and support coexistence. Increasing knowledge of elephant health needs and the complexity of their social behaviors has equipped the organization and its partners with valuable insight into what successful conservation outcomes look like for the species.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is grateful for the more than 5,200 donors who have made Elephant Valley possible, including a lead gift from Denny Sanford and foundational gifts given by Stephanie Petersen, the Warren Family Foundation, Marian Frank, Gisela Hill, Nelson Millsberg, Frank and Linda Riolo, Lisa and Wayne Stelmar, Tisha Hunte Wheat, and Betty Jo Williams.

The Safari Park, spanning 1,800 acres in Escondido, California, is home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 290 species. This one-of-a-kind destination offers guests of all ages the opportunity to strengthen their connection to wildlife and the natural world. Elephant Valley is included with Safari Park admission. For more information, visit sdzsafaripark.org/elephantvalley. For weddings at Mkutano House, visit https://sdzwa.org/weddings.

PRESS ROOM: sdzwa.org/PR/elephant-valley-opening-day 

Link includes:

• B-roll and photos of the grand opening of Elephant Valley on March 5, 2026
• B-roll and photos of Elephant Valley at the Safari Park

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/san-diego-zoo-safari-park-celebrates-official-opening-of-elephant-valley-302706114.html

SOURCE San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance